Harriet Vernon read it at the breakfast-table with an interest which may be imagined.

 

"I don't like to rejoice in any man's misfortune," she said to herself, "but now I can have a few years of peace. My precious brother-in-law will doubtless pass the next few years in enforced seclusion¹, and I can have a settled home."

 

Directly after breakfast, she set out for the humble² home of her niece. She found all at home, for Dan was not to go back to business till Monday.

 

"Well, my good friend," she said, "I have news for you."

 

"Good news, I hope," said Dan.

 

"Yes, good news. Henceforth I can have Althea with me. The obstacle that separated us is removed."

 

Mrs. Mordaunt's countenance³ fell, and Dan looked[Pg 287] sober. It was plain that Althea was to be taken from them, and they had learned to love her.

 

"I am very glad," faltered⁴ Mrs. Mordaunt.

 

"You don't look glad," returned Mrs. Vernon.

 

"You see we don't like to part with Althea," explained Dan, who understood his mother's feelings.

 

"Who said you were to part with the child?" asked Mrs. Vernon, bluntly.

 

"I thought you meant to take her from us."

 

"Oh, I see. Your mistake is a natural one, for I have not told you my plans. I mean to take a house up town, install Mrs. Mordaunt as my housekeeper⁵ and friend, and adopt this young man (indicating Dan), provided he has no objection."

 

"How kind you are, Mrs. Vernon," ejaculated Mrs. Mordaunt.

 

"No, I am selfish. I have plenty of money, and no one to care for, or to care for me. I have taken a fancy to you all, and I am quite sure that we can all live happily together. Althea is my niece, and you, Dan, may call me aunt, too, if you like. Is it a bargain?"

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